Adults and adolescents were defined as having an MDE if they had a period of 2 weeks or longer in the past 12 months when they experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and they had at least some additional symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth. NSDUH uses different age-adapted questions based on using the diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV to ask adults and adolescents about their experiences with MDE.30 Stated another way, some wordings of depression questions for adolescents were designed to make them more developmentally appropriate for youths.35 NSDUH also collects data on impairment in four major life activities or role domains because of an MDE in the past year.2

Interestingly, adults 18-25 had the highest prevalence of major depression (10.9%). 3.1 million youth have suffered from MDE in the past year with 70.5% of these experiencing severe impairment as defined by the study, as a result. This statistic is shocking and scary.

A Young, Medicated Nation

The CDC reports4 that “antidepressant use in the past month increased overall, from 7.7% in 1999–2002 to 12.7% in 2011–2014.” Keeping in mind that antidepressants are often prescribed for a multitude of reasons, by 2014 one in eight Americans5reported recent use6 of antidepressants according to a survey of 14,000 people aged 12 and older.

The fact that so many young people are suffering, and the resulting allegations on the disintegration of our family unit7 in this culture, as well as the controversy of this topic of a medicated youth on the political sphere in connection to mass shootings, are beyond the topic of this blog.8-12

Recently, there were two new studies on depression. Both were trying to find the perfect solution in a pill form to this issue.

In this post series, I will look at these studies and why they miss the underlying issues that may be contributing to our nation’s sad state. Then I will provide a more comprehensive look at what the implications of these studies are and how lifestyle medicine and essential oils can support the interplay of the infinite factors involved in brain health and emotional balance.

A Discovery on Depression and a Desire for a Quick Fix “Solution”

In the first study, researchers sought to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved in major depressive disorder (MDD). Their study provided information on how stress is one of the most powerful influencers of negative mood. Its prolonged effects can lead to maladaptive behavior through long-term neuroadaptations mechanisms that include dendritic remodeling, spine loss, and altered synaptic transmission. The authors discovered that a receptor involved in stress-regulated genes in the brain (prefrontal cortex) was elevated in people with MDD.13,14

According to Science Daily:

The researchers zeroed in on GPR158 as a player in depression after discovering that the protein is elevated in people with major depressive disorder. To better understand GPR158’s role, the scientists studied male and female mice with and without GPR158 receptors.

Behavioral tests revealed that both male and female mice with elevated GPR158 show signs of depression following chronic stress. On the flip side, suppression of GPR158 protects mice from developing depressive-like behaviors and make them resilient to stress.

Next, the researchers examined why GPR158 has these effects on depression. The team demonstrated that GPR158 affects key signaling pathways involved in mood regulation in the region of the brain called prefrontal cortex, though the researchers emphasized that the exact mechanisms remain to be established.

Martemyanov explains that GPR158 is a so-called “orphan receptor” (which gets its name because its binding partner/partners are unknown) with a poorly understood biology and mechanism of action. GPR158 appears to work downstream from other important brain systems, such as the GABA, a major player in the brain’s inhibitory control and adrenergic system involved in stress effects.13

The authors also found that there were several signaling proteins induced by the loss of this receptor in the brain. The key player seemed to be brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, not in the expected differences in neurotransmitter levels.14

The “Miracle Pill” Hunt Begins

The results from such a discovery usually leads down the road of a pill to manipulate the receptor that to achieve the intended symptom suppression. In this instance, the idea would be to block the GPR158 receptor, or at least manipulate it.

Good intentions, but is manipulating one effect going to create a happier society?

In the next blog, I will review the second study and provide a more integrative viewpoint on assessing and addressing the many factors involved in brain health and emotions. I will also explain how lifestyle medicine and essential oils can help with brain support and mood balance.

Jane Garland E, Kutcher S, Virani A, Elbe D. Update on the Use of SSRIs and SNRIs with Children and Adolescents in Clinical Practice. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2016;25(1):4-10.

Sarah Lobisco, ND, is a graduate of the University of Bridgeport’s College of Naturopathic Medicine (UBCNM). She is licensed in Vermont as a naturopathic doctor and holds a Bachelor of Psychology from State University of New York at Geneseo.

Dr. LoBisco is a speaker on integrative health, has several publications, and has earned her certification in functional medicine. Dr. LoBisco currently incorporates her training as a naturopathic doctor and functional medicine practitioner through writing, researching, private practice, and through her independent contracting work for companies regarding supplements, nutraceuticals, essential oils, and medical foods.

Dr. LoBisco also enjoys continuing to educate and empower her readers through her blogs and social media.Her recent blog can be found atwww.dr-lobisco.com.

NaturalPath is for general health information only. This website is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this website should not rely on information provided for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own primary care physician or other healthcare provider.